BBC 100's Rikta Akhter: A mother's relentless fight for disabled children
Sometimes, one night is long enough for a miracle to happen. And it was after a particularly tumultuous night that an idea came to Rikta: to start a school for disabled children, not just her own, but also for others in her village
Rikta Akhter Banu, a nurse from Kurigram, has been recognised in the BBC 100 Women 2024 list, which honours inspiring and influential women around the world. But the story behind this proud achievement is deeply heartbreaking.
In the remote area of northern Bangladesh, having an autistic or disabled child is seen as a curse. As a mother, Rikta had to learn this fact the hard way.
Her 22-year-old daughter, Tanvin Dristy Moni, suffers from cerebral palsy. After enrolling her in a local government primary school in 2007, Rikta faced numerous challenges.
"My daughter misbehaved with someone, and a teacher expelled her from school. After that, she became restless about going to school, but the teachers didn't allow her. They repeatedly refused her admission because she was disabled and struggled to interact with others," Rikta told The Business Standard.
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Not only that, Rikta and her husband could not even attend social events because people would make hurtful comments about their daughter.
Rikta lives in Shorkarbari village in Ramna union, Chilmari upazila, Kurigram. She is a Senior Staff Nurse at the Chilmari Upazila Health Complex, where she works on shifts. Her husband is a teacher at a local women's college. As both parents were busy most of the time, they became deeply worried about their daughter.
"I have many scars on my body. My daughter would often bite me," Rikta continued.
"One day, she bit me hard and made a deep wound on my arm. I was in a lot of pain. That day, I even slapped her. I couldn't figure out what to do. I can't kill her. I even thought of jumping into the river with my daughter and drowning," Rikta said, breaking into tears.
What followed was a sleepless night. But even this overwhelming grief could not stop her. Things do not change overnight, but sometimes one night is long enough for a miracle to happen. The next morning, an idea came to Rikta: to start a school for disabled children.
She discussed the matter with her husband, Md Abu Tariq Alam and requested that he give her the 39 decimals of land next to their house so that she could set up a school for her daughter. She planned to teach at the school in the mornings and work at the hospital in the afternoons.
But establishing the school and organising everything did not prove easy.
In 2009, the dream finally turned into reality. She established the 'Rikta Akter Banu Buddhi Protibondhi School' (Rikta Akter Banu Learning Disability School) for her daughter and other disabled children.
With four volunteer teachers and a handful of students, the journey began in a small tin-roofed house of three rooms.
Prior to the establishment of Rikta's school, parents in the village used to lock up their disabled children at home when they went out to work. Now, they can leave their children at school without any worries. In just the first 10 days, the number of children in the school increased to 63.
"The MP (member of parliament), upazila chairman, Upazila Nirbahi Officer, deputy commissioner, and everyone else supported me. They were pleased to learn of my plan and encouraged me," she said.
Rikta's school now provides education to nearly 300 students.
"While the school was initially built for children who are autistic or have a learning disability, it now caters to young students with a variety of intellectual and physical disabilities," the BBC list's official web page reads.
Currently, the school provides education up to the fifth grade, offering a variety of academic and technical subjects, including sewing, music, and sports. Beyond its role in education, the school has significantly impacted local perceptions of disability, fostering a more inclusive and supportive community.
There are 20 teachers employed in the school. In 2020, it was included in the MPO (Monthly Pay Order) scheme. Among them, 15 people, including eight teachers, are receiving salaries.
BBC compiled the 100 Women list with five categories: Climate Pioneers, Culture and Education, Entertainment and Sport, Politics and Advocacy, and Science, Health, and Tech. Rikta has been recognised under the Science, Health, and Tech category.
Rikta refuses to take the credit all alone. "It is your achievement, Bangladesh's achievement. It reflects the cooperation of the people of our country. Chilmari is a very poor area. This achievement belongs to all the mothers and sisters of this community," she said in an emotional voice.
However, her journey is just beginning. Amidst all excitement, she spoke of the shortcomings of the school and her dream of going miles ahead.
Rikta mentioned the lack of residential facilities, proper food provisions, a boundary wall, and transportation in her school. She also highlighted the need for teachers' salaries, repairs to damaged sports equipment, and musical instruments like harmoniums.
"If these issues are addressed, these disadvantaged students can progress even further."
